The Book is Closed on a Magnificent Year for Reinhardt

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

Photo Courtesy of Southeastern (Fla.) Athletic Communications

LAKELAND, Fla. – The women's soccer season came to an end after a valiant effort against Southeastern (Fla.) on its home field Saturday night, 2-0, in the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Opening Round Final.

The Eagles' year finishes at 16-2.

"I'm incredibly proud of our team," head coach Andy Kaplan said. "We have had an unbelievable season. Tonight, we had a big jump in the level of competition. Southeastern is ranked No. 2 in the country and has a very good chance to win the national championship. Our girls fought hard the entire night. I would like to give special recognition to our starting backs – Mary Kate Williamson, Ella Higdon, Kira Council, and Lis Dunlap; plus, our goalkeeper Caroline Johnson.

"That was as fine a defensive performance as I have ever seen. Again, I am so proud of what these girls have accomplished and am really excited to see how far we can go next year."

The hometown club didn't back down from the powerful Fire (who tallied 30 shots), as Caroline Johnson was diving all over the field with 10 saves in her 90 minutes of play.

Southeastern took a 1-0 lead in the 22^nd minute, and the scoreboard wouldn't change for a very long time as the Eagle defense left it all on the field. Reinhardt would have minimal chances to score, three total attempts, but it was neck-and-neck with the host the entire way until another goal at 83:55 had the Fire breathing a sigh of relief.

The outcome will be a positive learning experience as the squad turns the page to 2021. 

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For more information on Reinhardt Women's Soccer, please click here.